More of a good thing

In my mind, more music in the world is a wonderful thing. Combining music with the sharing of stories from real people and their lives is even better.

The more songs I write from the stories of human lives, the more I want to spread those songs far, wide, and everywhere in between. This is my way of honoring the lives of those individuals who have shared their stories with me—in person and through oral histories and written texts.

I am regularly reminded through interactions after performances, emails, and conversations, that these stories are meant to be shared. After listening to a Story-to-Song, people want to talk about the experiences from their own lives that are brought to the surface. Some have asked me to work with them to write a

Story-to-Song about their family’s stories. Just the other day, a uke player told me they were going to play one of my songs about Lowell factory workers at a uke group gathering.

Sharing these songs helps me find meaning in a strange world. It also helps me to feel like I am a part of a community, however virtual, of people searching for meaning through music and creative expression.

I just wanted to say a thank you to everyone I have met on this songwriting journey and a thank you in advance to those I will meet someday!

And in the spirit of sharing, here are a few ways to listen to music I have written from stories of all kinds and to learn more about me.